Real Turkey

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Experience the very best of Turkey on a circuit trip that spends time in Istanbul, Selcuk, Goreme and more.

Start in Istanbul before heading off to explore Gallipoli, Eceabat and Ayvalik (think cobblestones and cafes). Next up you’ve got Selcuk, Pamukkale and Fethiye for amazeballs Greco-Roman ruins, healing pools and beach. Sail the Turquoise Coast (literally TURQUOISE). Head to Antalya and Cappadocia for towns carved out of rock and underground cities, then head back to Istanbul via more villages, valleys and awesomeness.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Over 29? We’ve got over 900 other great adventures to choose from for solo travellers, friends, families, food lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and more.

Why you'll love this trip

The weird and wonderful world of Cappadocia might be the most amazing place in Turkey. Its fairy chimneys and sprawling rocks capes look like they were cut out of a science-fiction cartoon

You'll have the chance to take a hot air-balloon ride over the top of it all, giving you the ultimate view of this awesome landscape

Exploring the underground city of Derinkuyu is mind-blowing – it goes 60 metres underground and used to house thousands of people

Get a dose of good old-fashioned Turkish hospitality, staying with a local family in a traditional guesthouse in Ortahisar

Get to know Istanbul from the inside as you get (deliberately) lost in the maze of bustling backstreets with a local leader

Thought all the best Roman ruins were in Italy? Think again! Turkey is home to one of the best preserved classical cities in all of Europe. Discover Ephesus just like Anthony and Cleopatra did 2,000 years ago

While paying your respects, you can’t but be moved by the battles fought and lives lost at the now peaceful scene of the Gallipoli coast

Is this trip right for you?

There's plenty of free time on this trip, which means you're able to take advantage of many optional activities. You will need some extra cash to do so, however.

Some of the sites visited involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides, so it's important to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and a hat. Long sleeves are also a good idea, of course.

It can get quite cool in these destinations, particularly from October to April, so don't forget to pack some extra layers.

There are a couple of long bus rides. The good news is, public buses in Turkey are pretty cool and comfortable.

You’ll get an extra taste of local life on this trip, with most travel done on public buses. There are loads of reasons why this is great, but here are just a few: it minimises our carbon footprint, gives you a real chance to interact with the local community, and these aren’t your regular buses. Most Turkish buses have Wi-Fi and serve coffee and cake. Yes, you heard right, coffee and cake! Oh and did we mention the in-seat entertainment?

Gallery

Itinerary

Welcome to Turkey. This adventures kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and now you (for one night at least) have called home. You’ve got the whole day free to explore the capital city (depending on when you get here of course) before you join up with your Intrepid crew and leader at a Welcome Meeting at 6pm – make sure you’ve got all your important documents and details for your leader. Double check with the hotel reception or the check out the hotel’s noticeboard for meeting confirmations. Until then, maybe get out into the city streets for the must-sees: the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and stunning Aya Sofya. The must-eats: kebab, balık ekmek (fish sandwich) and steamed corn from a street vendor. Your hotel is right in the thick of the action so you won’t have to walk far for your first kebab. If you can, maybe arrive early and lose yourself and splash some cash in the Grand Bazaar, indulge in a traditional hamam (Turkish bath) or cruise the waters of the Bosphorus. After the meeting, head out on an optional group dinner, a good introduction to some fabulous Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe.

Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a day early, so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please contact the hotel reception.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (incl. massage) - TRY120

Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY25

Istanbul - Blue Mosque - Free

Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY18

Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY25

Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY20

Istanbul - Basilica Cistern - TRY20

Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - TRY40

Istanbul - Topkapi Palace - TRY65

Istanbul - Chora Church - TRY30

Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY60

Meals Included

Today you’ll take a bus to the shores of Gallipoli (approximately 5.5 hours) to pay your respects at a site of immense significance for Australians and New Zealanders. It is a spot of pilgrimage and reverence and the calm lapping waters belies the murderous campaign that took place here during the First World War. This now-serene site is located at Turkey’s most westerly point and you’ll get a sobering insight into the plight of the ANZAC, Allied and Turkish forces at the site of one of the most significant military battles in Australia’s history. It’s hard to think that this area was once Anzac Cove and the battlefields of Nek and Lone Pine, and saw such brutal scenes of war. It’s possible to look down upon the rough and barren hills and gullies that sadly became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. Here you can hear stories of heroism and camaraderie that unfolded among the tragedies, and take the time to read moving inscriptions etched onto a sea of gravestones.

Spend the evening of day two in Canakkale. The city has young local vibe due to it being a popular spot to go to Uni. Chill on the edge of the Dardanelles with an Efes or check out a local band. Don't leave town without trying the cheesy desert thing.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There's the option this morning to take an excursion out to the ruins of Troy (sans golden-haired and armoured Brad Pitt), where you can explore the ancient walls, climb around the 4,500 year-old ruins, check out the Trojan horse statue and gaze across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) towards the waters of the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Later drive down the coast to Ayvalik (approximately 3.5 hours), a town where you can fill up on food and drink, and a place that even takes its name from food (ayva is Turkish for quince). The town is famous for olive oil, but we suggest finding the nearest seaside cafe and ordering Ayvalik toast – a toasted sanga stuffed with sausage, pickle, tomatoes, salad and chips, slathered with tomato sauce and mayonnaise. Try not to drool on the screen. Take an orientation tour of Ayvalik and discover a town that’s a fascinating mix of Greek and Turkish cultures (in fact the island actually swapped all its Greek residents for Turks in 1923). Check out the cobblestone backstreets, beautiful houses and lively cafes. You could also hop on a boat from Ayvalık to Cunda Island, filled with Greek Orthodox churches and famous for its dairy farming – a cheese-fest awaits. Back in Ayvalık, the village is set around a harbour and looks out to the Aegean Islands, so a drink at a harbourside bar is a great way to enjoy the sunset.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Ayvalik - Boat From Ayvalık to Cunda Island - TRY10

Troy - Guided visit - TRY85

Meals Included

Get your entertainment ready this morning as you’re going to be driving approximately 4 hours by local bus to the traditional farming village of Selçuk, where many Turkish traditions live on. Take an orientation tour around Selçuk, a town full of history and packed with artefacts and relics that reflect its past as an ancient fortress on Ayasoluk Hill. You’ll discover how the town itself is usually undisturbed, which gives the opportunity to experience the ‘real’ Turkey. Later you can head out to the nearby ruins of Ephesus and explore the streets once walked by Marc Anthony and Cleopatra. This is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world; founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th century BC, brought to full flower under Roman rule, and always an important religious centre. You will be amazed by the sophistication of this ancient city, which had running water, public toilets, in house heating, a renowned medical institute, a brothel and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved (be brave and stand in the middle of the stage, and give us your best Idol audition), but it’s the magnificent library that’s going to take your breath away. Nearby are the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Chill out tonight in Selçuk, and maybe try Turkish Meze and Raki for dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Ephesus - guided archaeological site visit

Optional Activities

Selcuk - Archaeological Museum - TRY15

Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY10

Ephesus - Terrace Houses Entry - TRY25

Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) entrance fee - TRY25

Meals Included

Travel east inland to Pamukkale (approximately 4 hours), which literally translates to “cotton castle”. Here spectacular natural hot springs with high calcium bicarbonate content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving bright white deposit terraces (the ‘cotton’). It's been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC. These pools are said to fix up any circulation and digestion problems you might have. If you’ve got Cleopatra on the mind after yesterday’s stories, then maybe choose to head out to the ancient city of Hierapolis and take a dip in what used to be her old pool – the transparent water-filled pool, sculpted as a gift from Marc to Cleo, are jaw dropping (even if you’ll be sharing it with a few more people than she did). You can also check out the other ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, and the amphitheatre shouldn’t be missed.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Pamukkale - Hierapolis & Travertines National Park

Optional Activities

Pamukkale - Hierapolis Museum - TRY5

Pamukkale - Hierapolis Cleopatra pool - TRY35

Meals Included

Travel to the seriously blue Blue Lagoon by public bus and enjoy some beach time before jumping on a local bus to Faralya (travel time 5 hours), not really big enough to be called a village, this picturesque hamlet is located on the edge of a canyon overlooking the crystal clear Mediterranean, and is considered to be one of the most stunning and amazing places in Turkey. This is where the locals come to get away from it all, and you can too. Watch a sunset like no other from the best vantage point your bean bag with your beer in hand, hang by the pool and enjoy an al fresco dinner with your new friends. Some times travel can be such hard work! Tents or Bungalows tonight: which will it be?

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (1 night)

Meals Included

Enjoy as leisurely start to the day as you take this morning to perfect your relaxation technique in this untouched heaven Later we head to Fethiye. Maybe check out the Ghost Village (where they filmed the Water Diviner), jump on 'dolmus' to Saklikent Gorge or explore the back streets of the old town of Fethiye and hunt for a bargain. You decide.Tonight we enjoy a walk by the harbour, try local seafood and check out the thriving night life.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Fethiye - Oludeniz Blue Lagoon - TRY6

Meals Included

This morning you’ll take a local bus to Kas (approximately 3 hours), which is right on one of the southernmost bit of Turkey. With its whitewashed buildings covered in bougainvillea and cobbled streets, Kas is one of the most attractive towns on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. Spend an hour or two lunching and wandering the pretty streets, before you transfer an hour down the road to Kekova. Here you’ll board your sturdy vessel and make waves on a memorable voyage along the Turquoise Coast. Check out some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world – it’s just ridiculously good-looking. You’ve got a tough couple of days ahead: swimming, exploring sunken cities, sunbaking and eating fresh seafood. Grin and bear it. This afternoon, cruise to Tersane bay for a swim and then enjoy a home cooked dinner on board, before docking for the night and sleeping under a blanket of Mediterranean stars.

Accommodation

Overnight Boat (1 night)

Meals Included

It’s a hard knock life on the Turkish seas – wake up to a spectacular Mediterranean sunrise this morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast on board. Perfect your best boat-life pose as you cruise to a sunken city, from where remains of a mysterious civilisation can be viewed. Earthquakes almost 2,500 years ago sunk this half of the Lycian city of Simena. Here you can walk up to nearby Simena Castle, swim in crystal clear waters, or explore Lycian rock tombs. More swimming, exploring, sunbaking and eating... can you handle that much action. Lucky you will spend another memorable night on the boat, under the stars if you feel like it.

Accommodation

Overnight Boat (1 night)

Meals Included

Soak up the last of life as a glamorous boat-dweller with breakfast on board. Then transfer by public bus approximately 3.5 hours to Antalya, the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean. It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya (unless your finger is over the lens) thanks to cobblestone streets, the old city, the marina and the Taurus Mountains in the distance. You can spend the afternoon exploring the charming back streets of the Kaleiçi (old city), get historical in one of the best museums in the country, get theatrical at Aspendos (a beautiful intact theatre from Roman times) or hit the beach once more at Mermerli Beach.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Antalya - Antalya Museum - TRY20

Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City - TRY25

Antalya - Mermerli Beach Kaleici - TRY11

Meals Included

This morning you'll meet any new members of your group, given that this is a combination trip. This takes place at 8 am the at the hotel and from here, you'll head to the station and take a bus to Goreme, a town in Cappadocia (approximately 9.5 hours). Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, young adventurer. Tonight, we stay in a local guesthouse and get to know Nazim and his family. Take an orientation walk with your trip leader and maybe an afternoon visit to Ortahisar Castle. Then settle in for an enjoyable night overlooking a secluded valley and some good home cooking Cappadocia Style. Aghhh the serenity.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Goreme - Dinner at Cappadoccian Family House

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Special Information

As this is a combination trip, the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and meet your new fellow travellers.

Phallic rocks, fairy chimneys and underground cities. Cappadocia’s got it all. This morning you have the option of taking a very early hot-air balloon over the crazy landscapes at sunrise (those who choose to take this optional extra will have a seriously excellent time, and your friends back home might think you've been to another planet when they see your photos). Later in the morning it's time to go underground and explore the cities down there. There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia; the widest is Kaymakli, the deepest is Derinkuyu. These rabbit-warren metropolises were lovingly carved into the earth by the Hittites around 3,500 years ago. If that doesn’t get you excited, you’re a robot. Later on there will be free time to hit the nightlife of Goreme, or go to a Whirling Dervish 'Sema' performance (optional).

Notes: The hot-air balloon activity can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip leader on Day 1 to organise this.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Goreme - Derinkuyu Underground City tour

Optional Activities

Goreme - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance - EUR25

Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR175

Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR230

Meals Included

Put your boots on and hike up hills and over mountains to Goreme. Check into our local hotel and spend the afternoon resting of course maybe lounging on the cushions in "Fat Boys" a game of backgammon anyone? If the muscles are a little sore from all the walking then you can always try a local Hamam. Don't worry about your Luggage they will be transferred to your hotel. Thanks Nazim! Thank you Driver! The total distance you walk will depend on the group and which route is taken.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night)

Meals Included

Spend the day exploring the Cappadocia area some more. If you like, you can stop by the Göreme Open Air Museum, a medieval wonderland of old rock-cut churches and frescoes. For a very different taste of the dizzyingly diverse landscape around here, you could check out Avanos, which is a chilled-out little town about 10 minutes away, known for its pottery and a 'red' river. Tonight it's time to say goodbye to Cappadocia (take a couple of last photos as you fight back the tears) and catch your overnight bus to Istanbul (approximately 10–12 hours).

Accommodation

Overnight Bus (1 night)

Optional Activities

Goreme - Open Air Museum - TRY30

Meals Included

Your trip comes to an end this morning on arrival into Istanbul. But it's a great idea to stay a little longer. So many activities, so little time. You can get all cultural at the Blue Mosque, splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar (the rugs ain't cheap, but they are beautiful and handmade), take a ferry cruise along the blue waters of Bosphorus (this is awesome and only costs a few Turkish Lira, unlike the some of the houses you will see on the shore as you cruise past), or just eat your weight in last-minute pides. You can’t really go wrong.

Please note: if you wish to book a flight out of Istanbul today, we recommend avoiding flights before 1pm to allow for any delays on your overnight bus.

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Important notes

ANZAC DAY DEPARTURE:
The 23rd April 2019 departure ties in with ANZAC day at Gallipoli. The night of Day 2 will be spent camping in Anzac Cove instead of in Istanbul. Please bring a sleeping bag if you are travelling on this departure.

We would also like to advise that attendance at this event requires an attendance pass. We recommend applying for this pass in advance at the links below. Passes are available in electronic format if you are travelling and unable to receive your pass it will be emailed to you. It will also be necessary to carry this pass and your personal identification at all times whilst on site. For those that arrive without a pass you can apply before the tour departs Istanbul OR at the coach registration upon arrival, however these passes will not be guaranteed, and will be dependent on site capacity.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
An optional single supplement is available on this trip, please refer to your booking agent for further information.
Please note, on the following nights the Single Supplement is not available:
-Day 3: Ayvalik
-Day 6: Butterfly Valley
-Day 8 & 9: Southern Sailing Cruise
-Day 14: Overnight Bus

Following recent safety incidents we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.